Yakuza 2
What's it all about?
One of last year's best games (that none of you bought - for shame!) is getting an equally awesome sequel. Continuing the story from the original Yakuza, the sequel introduces us to another "Dragon" - Ryuji Koda, lead character Kiryu's new rival from western Japan. The story focuses on a rivalry between gangs in Tokyo and Osaka (mirroring various rivalries between the two cities in real-life Japan) and, from what we've heard, we might meet a new romantic interest for Kiryu as well.
What's the big deal?
If you thought the original was good, we've got news for you: Yakuza 2 is even better. The graphics are more detailed and the environments are bigger, but perhaps the most noteworthy improvement is in the game's combat engine. It's considerably easier to lay a brutal beatdown on hapless thugs in Yakuza 2, making the whole experience far more intuitive and fun. Aside from that, everything that made the first game great - moody settings, interesting characters and a hard-hitting, dramatic story - remains every bit as awesome in the sequel. Oh and there's plenty of new sidequests and events, including running a cabaret. Yes, really. We're still waiting for an official US confirmation, but we're fairly confident that this one is in the works.
How does it stack up?
Sure, Yakuza 2 would be hot on a next-gen console. Sega, however, wants to make this game available to the widest audience possible and we applaud them for that. Sticking with PS2 means taking what worked last time and polishing it up - not starting fresh. Fans of the original will be in heaven with this - let's just hope people who skipped it the first time around might be compelled to check out Yakuza 2.
